China tightens noose on internet

China is set to tighten supervision of websites and cell phone applications to fight lewd content and aggressive remarks aimed at young people.

Dubbed as "Green Web", the two-month action would start in late September and target online information deemed lewd, pornographic or violent as well as posts that reveal personal information about youngsters or carry defamatory or bullying remarks, reported Xinhua Tuesday.

Online posts that flaunt wealth or showcase extreme obsession with celebrities would also be deleted.

The campaign was jointly initiated by the State Internet Information Office, the Ministry of Education, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China and the All-China Women's Federation.

"The move aims to further cleanse the internet environment, provide a healthy and positive online environment for young people and protect their legal interests," said a statement released Monday.

According to the statement, web operators were asked to voluntarily clean up the harmful information while students, parents and social workers were encouraged to report questionable websites and online applications.

The statement urged internet information management departments to supervise the progress of the action while punishing violators who allow harmful content.